He's been enjoying time with his wife Michelle Keegan and newborn daughter Palma on a family holiday to Marbella. But, despite the relaxing trip, sources say Mark Wright is feeling ‘stressed’ as he strives to protect his wife and newborn.
And Closer’s exclusive photos from their holiday seem to show the effect his worries are having on him as the former reality star appeared tense while guardedly walking close to Michelle and three-month-old Palma.
Insiders tell Closer that 38-year-old Mark selected their vacation spot as it is somewhere he and Michelle, also 38, could be near to his brother Josh, 35.
‘Mark is very protective, he wanted to go away somewhere he knew they were safe and a place he knows well,’ our source says. ‘He also gets to spend time with his brother who has a bar and restaurant out there.
‘He loves the security of having them all close, and for his brother and family to bond with Palma. He wants to enjoy this time with his little daughter and having all his loved ones around him helps him relax.’
Mark’s worries about having to protect his family may stem from the terrifying burglary at their Essex mansion which took place while former Coronation Street star Michelle was heavily pregnant.
It was reported back in February – just three weeks before Palma was born – that Mark and Michelle had ‘locked themselves in the bedroom’ of their £3.5million home after their alarm alerted them to the intruders, who then smashed their patio window.
Four suspects are believed to have been inside the property for around a minute before fleeing empty-handed in a getaway car after hearing former TOWIE star Mark shouting, with Michelle being left ‘very shaken up’.
Since they welcomed Palma in March, the pair haven’t spent a huge amount of time at their Essex home, sharing photos from the series of trips they have enjoyed since becoming a family of three.
Just days after announcing Palma’s birth, the proud parents enjoyed a trip to celeb hotspot Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds. Michelle shared photos of her cradling Palma and Mark cuddling their new arrival in bed.
Weeks later, they took her to stay at the five-star Corinthia London hotel, sharing that the establishment had gifted Palma her very own personalised dressing gown to match her parents and a pink toy bunny with ‘Palma Wright’ on a red bow around its neck.
The source adds, ‘Mark’s loving being a father, he's the ultimate family man but he's also ultra defensive of his new family of Michelle and Palma, and it’s making him stressed.’
Palma has also spent time on set with her mum Michelle, who took her along to work as she finished filming the final series of her comedy show Brassic. Michelle came under fire for returning to work so soon after giving birth, despite having said she’d take time off.
In a previous interview, she’d said, ‘I'm going to take a good chunk of time off to enjoy being a mum. I’m never normally at home in the summer, I’ve always been away working, so I can’t wait.’
And it’s not just Michelle’s return to work that has attracted criticism, with people unfairly commenting on everything from the lack of baby equipment on hand to the heeled shoes she wears in our exclusive photos – leading Mark to feel extra protective of his wife, who our source says is feeling ‘sensitive’ after giving birth.
One wrote online, ‘Never have I ever ventured out with a brand new baby with no nappy bag, no pram, no sun hat on a warm day.' A second added,’ I don’t think it’s a good idea wearing those shoes whilst carrying a baby.’ While a third wrote, ‘Walking about carrying a baby in heels in Marbella. This is embarrassing.’
Closer previously reported how Michelle’s trip to the Cannes Film Festival last month left her craving family time.
Our source said, ‘While it was fun to be in the company of some major movie stars, it made Michelle yearn for some time away with her little family. Michelle realises that this is the all-important juggle, and it’s striking the fine balance between motherhood and career.
‘It’s exactly why taking a break this summer is so necessary for Michelle. She’s craving some quiet, quality time with Mark and Palma, where they can make memories that will last a lifetime.’
And Mark agrees, hence why he wanted to be near Josh for their first trip abroad with Palma.
‘Mark wants to be around people he knows, like his brother. He's all about family, the Wrights always have been,’ the source adds. ‘They're having a wonderful holiday, having Palma has brought him and Michelle closer than ever.’